Meet Seung Hee Won | Children’s Art Educator & Academy Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Seung Hee Won and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi seung hee, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I first started my business, my children were only two and four years old. At the time, I was working full-time as a fashion designer, which left me with very little opportunity to engage in creative play or spend meaningful time with them. I began inviting their friends over on weekends for simple playdates, and to make it special, I introduced small, hands-on art activities that I prepared myself.

To my surprise, those moments quickly became the highlight of my week. I had always loved creating things with my hands, and watching the children’s excitement as they painted, glued, or simply explored with colors brought me a joy that I couldn’t find in my fashion career. What started as a simple way to connect with my kids soon became something much more meaningful.

Through these small gatherings, I realized how powerful art could be for children, not only as a form of expression but also as a way to build confidence, patience, and joy. Other parents began noticing how engaged and happy their children were, and they encouraged me to think about offering these activities more regularly. That was the moment I began to imagine turning this into something bigger.

Of course, starting a new path wasn’t easy. Leaving a stable design career to focus on children’s art meant stepping into the unknown. But I trusted my instincts and my passion. I believed that if something brought me so much fulfillment, it would resonate with others too. I wanted to create a space where children could freely express themselves, and where parents could feel reassured that their kids were growing not only academically but also emotionally and creatively.

Looking back, that decision was both personal and professional. It was born from my role as a mother, but it evolved into a mission as an educator and business owner. My journey into children’s art began with my own family, but it continues today with every child who walks through my classroom door. What started as weekend playdates has now become a lifelong passion and purpose.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business began with something very personal—my own children. What started as small weekend art activities at home grew into a vision for creating a space where children could explore, express, and grow through art. I discovered Noljak, a children’s art program with over 500 branches in Korea, and its philosophy resonated deeply with me. Rather than focusing only on skills or outcomes, Noljak emphasizes creativity, emotional growth, and the process of discovery, which aligned perfectly with my belief in what children truly need.

One of the aspects I am most passionate about is giving young children the opportunity to experience multi-sensory play at an early age. These activities are not only enjoyable but also essential for helping children develop rich expression, creativity, and the confidence to show who they are. Watching them grow, discover, and express themselves freely through art has been the most rewarding and joyful part of this journey.

The journey itself was not always easy. Leaving behind a stable career as a fashion designer to start something new required courage and persistence. There were challenges—earning parents’ trust, developing programs, and balancing family life with running a business. But what sets us apart is the strong sense of purpose: our work is not just about teaching art, but about nurturing children’s creativity, emotional well-being, and confidence. That is what I want the world to know about my brand and story.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Orange County, I wouldn’t just show them the famous attractions—I’d want them to feel the rhythm of life here. We’d begin with a slow morning brunch in Old Towne Orange, wandering through antique shops and sipping coffee while the kids laugh and explore. That simple mix of food, history, and family warmth is what makes this place so special.

Of course, I’d share my love for hiking too. Hiking has always been my way of finding balance—I go alone for quiet reflection, or with my kids to show them the beauty of nature. Trails like Crystal Cove or hidden local paths are where I find my greatest sense of peace, and I’d want my friend to experience that same kind of healing. There’s something about walking together under the California sun that makes conversations deeper and memories stronger.

Evenings would be slower, centered on connection—maybe a backyard barbecue with friends, kids making art at the table, or simply sitting on the porch watching the sunset. We’d add in touches of culture, like visiting the art festivals in Laguna Beach or the history of Mission San Juan Capistrano, but what I’d really want them to take home is the feeling. Orange County is about more than just beaches and weather—it’s about community, creativity, family, and those small but powerful moments of peace and joy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my children and my husband, who are the heart of my journey. While I could have continued with simple mom-led art activities, I wanted to offer my kids something deeper and more structured. That search led me to Noljak, a program that has already been recognized in Korea with over 500 locations, and my husband’s unwavering support gave me the courage to take this path with confidence.

Second, I am deeply grateful for the philosophy behind Noljak, which resonated with me from the very beginning. Noljak emphasizes process over product, encouraging children to explore with all their senses, connect stories and themes, and create through play. It values questions over answers and celebrates experimentation, trial, and discovery rather than perfection. Through collaborative projects and presentations, children build confidence, empathy, and emotional regulation. This philosophy aligns perfectly with my own belief that art should empower children to think, feel, and express themselves freely.

Finally, I want to thank the parents and community who trusted me from the start. Your encouragement and belief in the value of children’s art made it possible for me to move beyond simple activities at home and build a space for creative and emotional growth. This Shoutout is dedicated to my children, my husband, the inspiring educators behind Noljak, and the supportive families who walk this journey with me—together, you’ve made my mission possible.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loving_tree_artivity

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lovingtreeartivity

Image Credits
All photos by seung hee won (my self)